Jaina Caves of Madurai

Summary

This article offers an in-depth archaeological and epigraphic survey of Jain cave complexes in and around Madurai, Tamil Nadu. These caves, known as Śramaṇa Pallis, served as ascetic dwellings for Jain monks from the 2nd century BCE to the 9th–10th century CE. Highlights: Religious and Historical Significance: Madurai holds one of the highest concentrations of Jain caves in Tamil Nadu. These caves were centers of monastic austerity, often supported by local communities and royal patrons. A) Key Cave Sites: 1. Arittapatti: Site of a Brahmi inscription from 2nd–1st century BCE. Became a Jain center until the 9th CE. 2. Anaimalai: Natural cave with berths and inscriptions; later embellished with Tirthankara sculptures. 3. Mangulam: Houses some of the earliest Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, associated with Pandya king Nedunjeliyan. 4. Muttupatti: Noted for inter-regional Jain links, including references to monks from Sri Lanka. 5. Kongarpuliyankulam: Rich in inscriptions, including donors and details of the monastery's canopy. 6. Tirupparankunram: Large, architecturally significant cave with advanced water drainage features. 7. Alagarmalai: Contains eight inscriptions and references to merchant donors; includes an image consecrated by Ajjanandi. 8. Karungalakkudi, Kilavalavu, Vikkiramangalam, Siddharamalai: Each site reflects unique architectural and epigraphic contributions, with many mentioning patrons from various social strata including merchants, monks, royal officers, and even nuns. B) Notable Features: 1. Use of Tamil-Brahmi script in inscriptions. 2. Presence of stone berths, pillared shelters, drip-ledges, and iconography of Tirthankaras. 3. Evidence of guild patronage and inter-regional Jain networks. 4. Multiple caves show consistent involvement of the monk Ajjanandi in icon creation and consecration.